On November 28, 1995, a significant change swept across the highways of the United States as the era of the 55 mph (miles per hour) speed limit came to an end. This marked a pivotal moment in transportation history, bringing about a shift in speed regulations that had been in place for more than two decades.

The 55 mph speed limit had been implemented in response to the oil crisis of the 1970s. The goal was to conserve fuel and reduce dependence on foreign oil by enforcing a maximum speed that was deemed more fuel-efficient. However, by the mid-1990s, changing circumstances and advancements in automotive technology led to a reconsideration of this national speed limit.

Advocates for change argued that modern vehicles were better equipped to handle higher speeds while maintaining fuel efficiency and safety standards. The call for increased speed limits gained momentum as studies suggested that the 55 mph limit had become outdated and overly conservative. Moreover, some critics contended that the uniform speed limit was not reflective of the varied driving conditions across different regions of the country.

On November 28, 1995, the U.S. Congress passed the National Highway Designation Act, which effectively repealed the federally mandated 55 mph speed limit. This legislative change gave individual states the authority to set their own speed limits based on their unique considerations and road conditions. It marked a shift towards a more decentralized approach to traffic regulation, recognizing that what might be suitable for one state might not be for another.

The repeal of the 55 mph speed limit had immediate and widespread consequences. Speed limits on many highways were increased, with several states opting for higher limits such as 65 or 70 mph. This change was seen as a nod to both the technological advancements in automobile safety and the recognition that responsible driving could be maintained at higher speeds.

The decision to end the 55 mph speed limit was not without controversy. Safety concerns were raised, with some arguing that higher speeds would lead to more accidents and increased severity of collisions. However, proponents of the change pointed to the success of variable speed limits in other countries, arguing that responsible driving behavior mattered more than an arbitrary numerical limit.

In the years that followed, the impact of the repeal continued to be a subject of debate. While some states embraced higher speed limits and experienced no significant increase in accidents, others maintained lower limits as a precautionary measure. The end of the 55 mph speed limit highlighted the dynamic nature of transportation policy and the need for regulations to evolve in tandem with advancements in technology and changing societal attitudes.

November 28, 1995, remains a milestone in the history of U.S. transportation, representing a shift towards a more flexible and nuanced approach to speed regulation. It reflected a growing acknowledgment that one-size-fits-all policies might not be the most effective way to ensure safe and efficient travel on the diverse roadways of the United States.